In this lesson, you will
learn, among other things, what the issue of Internet access has in common with
movie ticket pricing, seasonal hotel rates, and ferry fares.

You will learn about Internet
access and pricing structures by completing three modules: exploration, invention
and application.

Right now, you've entered
the exploration phase of the Internet Access Pricing Structure lesson. Below
are several activities which will introduce you to the Internet access issue.
Bookmark this page so you can come back after you've completed the activities.

As you investigate these markets,
ask yourself the following questions:

How does each market set
up prices? What do the markets have in common? Why do prices change at particular
times of the day and during the year? How do flat-rate and per-minute pricing
schemes compare among Internet service providers?

Can you think of some other
markets that may have similar pricing schemes? Try to verify your ideas by using
one of the search engines below.

Follow the links below to
get background information about Internet access charges. While reading, keep
in mind the following questions:

Why did America OnLine switch
to unlimited usage pricing in Fall 1996? What happened after the unlimited usage
plan went into effect? Why did AOL consider charging additional fees in gaming
areas? Why did AOL subscribers sue in December 1996?